GAA president Jarlath Burns, based in South Armagh, stated that advocates for Irish unity must ensure Northern Protestants can remain British if they choose. He made these comments on the "How to Gael" podcast.

Burns called on unification supporters to extend outreach to Unionists, promising enhanced lives through close collaboration while preserving British status. He stressed the need for temperate language and understanding of Unionist priorities, including the Orange Order.

He compared the Orange Order's role in Unionist identity to the GAA's significance for nationalists. Rural Unionists value their Orange halls, bands, and marches as expressions of their Reformed faith, Burns noted.

Burns said Unionists feel under siege and lack allies, making them sensitive to perceived slights. He attributed their political setbacks to demographic shifts, with nationalist gains extending into areas like North Antrim, East Antrim, and East Derry.

Addressing criticisms of the Orange Order, Burns argued against judging the entire group by isolated remarks. He rejected broad labels and urged good-faith engagement to foster mutual understanding.

Burns acknowledged Unionist perceptions of the GAA due to grounds named after revolutionary figures but called such views incomplete. He warned that similar narrow judgments of the Orange Order hinder progress.